Knob Creek Cask Strength Straight Rye (Batch 2)

This is the 2010 cask strength, following the 2009 version which was named Whisky Advocate's 2nd best whisky of the year in 2018. I really enjoyed the 2009 and had hoped to get another when visiting the Jim Bean Urban Stillhouse in Louisville a few years back, but ended up with a recommendation from an employee for the 2010, who claimed it was better and boasted a higher proof of 63.5% compared to the 2009's 59.8%. I inquired about an open bottle for a sample before purchasing, but unfortunately, there wasn't one. My brother and I debated buying a full bottle, considering we could only bring back four bottles in our luggage. We opted for a different glass and enjoyed watching the whisky rollercoaster at the Stillhouse. After taking some pictures and sending texts of the whisky rollercoaster to friends, and my brother and I strategizing how to construct one in our own homes - because what whisky enthusiast doesn't face bottle storage challenges - including designing an app to deliver the desired bottle without rummaging through cabinets, we finished our drinks, acknowledging this dream was likely unattainable. We ultimately decided on a more affordable alternative to a whisky rollercoaster and chose the recommended 2010 bottle to determine if it truly surpassed the 2009 cask. Upon pouring a glass, I found it beneficial to let it rest for a few minutes, as the high proof can be overwhelming initially. However, after a short wait, the alcohol intensity subsides, revealing a more pleasant aroma of rich, velvety rye caramel cream, baked apples, orange zest, cinnamon rolls, maraschino cherry, leather, black peppercorns, peanut shells, and toasted marshmallow. The taste presents a medium body with a velvety caramel mouthfeel that evolves into abundant fruit flavors like peach, orange, cherry, baked apples, and peanut shells, followed by medium oak tannins with pepper and baking spices, leading to a long finish with lingering fruit notes. Do I believe this surpasses the 2009 version? Yes. Tasting the 2009 alongside the 2010, I observed the 2009 was more spice-driven, while this expression is a more fruit-forward rye. Both are exceptional whiskies, and I would be pleased to have either, but my preference leans towards the fruitier rye over the dominant spice. This, however, is a matter of personal preference.

It has a lovely amber color. Initially in the glass, there's a pleasant aroma of rye spice and brown sugar – characteristic of Knob Creek Rye. One of my favorite experiences thus far was a 115 proof store pick. It's funky and intense. You get the signature brown sugar, buttery sticky buns, red hot candies, and heat... But the funk is almost off-putting, similar to lemon dish soap. With time, a good amount of mint, leather, and cherry emerges as the funk dissipates. There's Chinese five spice, peanut shells, blood orange, creosote, and ash? And with that, my nose hairs are gone from the ethanol burn... unfortunately, it's true. Okay, this one requires patience. Let it breathe, and the rewards are there. It remains almost frighteningly spicy, oaky, and intense, but the brown sugar is consistently present to tie it all together. BOOM! Vanilla, oak, lemon, mint, buttered toast... a lot of heat... cherries, candy cigarettes, floral notes, red hot candies... more oak and allspice with a bit of nutmeg, browned butter, and baking vanilla into the finish. I must say, the finish isn't my favorite. It's a bit bitter and tannic compared to the lower proof KC rye. What about adding water? No change to the aroma. The mouthfeel becomes much silkier, and the floral and herbal notes appear immediately. I definitely prefer the palate with some water added. It also enhanced the finish, showcasing more of the oak, mint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon candies. This is the bolder, more reckless, yet possibly more refined KC rye, and it doesn't aim to please everyone with excessive sweetness. At certain points, it reminds me of George T Stagg, for better or worse. It possesses some bitter characteristics, is extremely intense, and isn't for everyone. Drinking it makes me somewhat angry, but in a good way? Anyway, thanks to a friend for the sample! I'm seriously considering purchasing a bottle, understanding that few people will share it with me unless they are already intoxicated and agitated.

Nose: butterscotch, anise, clove, brown sugar, rye bread, vanilla, orange zest, spiced apple, black pepper, leather, musky deodorant, floral hints, polished oak, moderate ethanol burn. Taste: rich caramel, apple, clove, anise, herbal notes, leather, peanut butter, tobacco, tannic oak, floral notes, cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, moderate to high alcohol bite, with a medium length finish featuring clove, butterscotch, and tannic oak flavors. I've sampled several Knob Creek bourbons, but never a rye. This one is substantial at 127 proof. The aroma is quite restrained, but pleasant perfumed scents emerge, including dense butterscotch, bready rye spices, and a scent akin to Old Spice deodorant. The palate is hot and rich. It's clearly a low-rye rye, yet there's still a good amount of clove and anise alongside dark fruits, leather, and tannic oak. The mouthfeel is medium, and the finish is above average. This is a solid rye. It's potent and packed with rich flavors. However, it borders on being youthful and sour. Not unpleasantly so, but enough to prevent a higher rating. It's not my preferred rye profile as it's a bit sweeter than I like, but I'd gladly consume this again. Many thanks to a friend for the generous sample!

127 proof release. Nose is mainly fruity with orange zest, peach, and apple, plus some nutmeg, graham cracker, and savory buttered corn. A faint ethanol presence beneath, but at 127 proof, what can you expect? Curiously missing are the candied sugar and herbal notes common in other ryes. On the palate, things become more engaging; starts with the orange zest from the nose, evolving into more of an orange peel, some charred meat, pecans, and a barely sweet British scone, leading to hot cinnamon bears candy in the middle. The finish has cracked black peppercorn and aged oak tannin before a re-finish with a sweet cream note. The entire experience possesses a rich, savory character and the flavors transition seamlessly. An excellent journey. Medium density mouthfeel, slightly grainy. Overall, a highly enjoyable example of a high proof "Kentucky Rye". Quite similar to a high rye bourbon. Those seeking a more herbal profile should look elsewhere. At $64, it's difficult to label this a "great value" but you certainly get what you pay for.

I have no idea what one reviewer is on or why he's rated twice but i'm with the other reviewers if it's the same batch i'm tasting 21b-20 this is fantastic stuff. From the low to the high but still reasonably priced end Knob Creek make great stuff. It has that bourony profile I'm not a huge fan these days but it executes so well I can't give it any less than a 4.25 it'd be a 4.5 or higher if I enjoyed the type of flavor profile. Straight pour and drink it went down so so smoothly without a drop of water. This thing is so bulletproof adding a liberal helping of water seemed to make zero difference to either the flavor and amazingly how strong it tasted. It tasted just the same without it. Thanks once again to a friend

So, apparently there are a couple of individuals attempting to deter others from this selection. Having tasted it myself, I can comprehend that. I would desire more for my investment at this price point as well.... From beginning to end, this is an impressive, rich, balanced, and delicious pour. The aroma is dominated by delightful caramel, with red apple, enveloped in rye spice notes and a hint of herbal tea. A sip reveals a rich, intense, creamy texture before the rye spice takes over. Sweet caramel corn on entry quickly yields and balances an intense (but manageable) punchy rye/black pepper spice. The finish begins with a warm Kentucky embrace, giving way to barrel spice/char and honey. Lingers long and sweet, inviting another taste.